SHILLONG, April 12 – The two-day North East Tourism Summit which concluded here last evening has entrusted the North Eastern Council (NEC) with the task of initiating action to formulate a regional tourism policy for speedy and coordinated development of the untapped potentials of tourism in the region.
The valedictory session yesterday also recommended immediate setting up of air taxi services in the region with Guwahati as the hub in order to connect all major tourist spots in the North-east. The summit, attended by officials of the state government local and national tour operators, hoteliers and NGOs, was jointly organised by the NEC and Association of Tour Operators of North East India (ATONEI).
Announcing the findings and recommendations of the summit, NEC advisor, Tourism, Banking and Industries, FR Ingty, said it was suggested that all NE states should consider declaring tourism as an industry. Though most of the states have done so, the politics are yet to be put in force. Meghalaya, for instance, had declared tourism as an industry in 2000 but the rules and procedures are yet to be framed, leaving the policy inoperative.
The summit expressed unhappiness at the way the 50-seater ATR services are being run. Demanding that the services should be based at Guwahati, the summit called for rationalisation of the fare structure. At present, a passenger travelling from Aizawl to Guwahati pays more than when he travels to Kolkata.
NEC Secretary, PL Thanga, felt that the air fares in the North-east should be cheaper reflecting the various subsidies and concessions doled out with a view to improving air connectivity in the region. Speaking as the chief guest at the concluding session, Meghalaya Chief Secretary, J Tayong, called for more emphasis on attracting domestic tourists to the region.
Among other recommendations of the summit are better training of guides in the local folklore, history and culture of the region as also for taxi drivers and tourist police. A group of tour operators from Delhi and abroad who were taken round some tourist spots in the region came back to report a pathetic state of affairs. Even basic amenities like toilet and drinking water are not available at most of the tourist spots in the region.